Tag: GRASMERE

  • The Coffin Route

    Take in the stunning views of Rydal Water and Grasmere with a walk along the coffin route.

     The coffin route is a short walk that circles Grasmere and Rydal water. Taking you high above the fells the walk encounters lovely views of Rydal water and Grasmere.

    Rydal water is one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District but is very popular with visitors and locals due to its’s Wordsworth connections. Steps leading up to the western end of the lake come across ‘Wordsworth’s seat’ a viewpoint favoured by the poet. Walking around Rydal water you will come across Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, both homes to William Wordsworth. Grasmere is one of Cumbria’s most popular villages with gift shops, places to eat, and places to stay. The village is known for its connections to lake poet William Wordswortrh who lived in the village with his sister Dorothy for nine years.

    The walk gets it’s title as it was the route used to convey coffins on their final journey to St. Oswald’s Church in Grasmere. The route these days is a little livelier with pleasant views along the way.

    For a further insight into this walk, including directions please visit:

    https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_76.html

  • Wordsworth's connections to Grasmere

    Known for its beautfiul walks and breath – taking landscapes the Lake District is also famous for its connections with lake poet William Wordsworth. His connections to the lakes can be found in the bustling village of Grasmere. Below are some attractions and points of interest located in or near Grasmere which were part of Wordsworth’s life.

    Wordsworth House and Gardens

    William Wordsworth was born on 7th April 1770 in a fine Georgian house known today as Wordsworth House. William lived in the house with his father, three brothers and younger sister Dorothy. The house today has been turned into a National Trust tourist attraction where visitors can step back in time to William’s childhood home.

    To find out more about Wordsworth House and plan your visit click the link provided:

    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wordsworth-house

    Wordsworth House - Cockermouth

    Dove Cottage

    The first home of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy between 1799 - 1808. Dorothy become William’s secretary to enable the poet to pursue and dedicate his life to poetry. In 1802 William married his childhood sweetheart Mary Hutchinson and the first of their five children were born.

    To find out more about Dove Cottage and plan your visit click the link provided:

    https://wordsworth.org.uk/

    Dove Cottage - Grasmere

    Allan Bank

    As the family grew Wordsworth moved to Allan Bank in 1808. Here they lived for two years, a large house that William had condemned as ugly when it was being built.

    To find out more about Allan Bank and plan your visit click the link provided:

    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/allan-bank-and-grasmere

    Allan Bank - Grasmere

    The Old Rectory

    While living in Allan Bank Wordsworth and his family also lived with Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Mary’s sister Sarah. Things soon became crowded and soot from the chimneys kept getting on the furniture. In 1811 the family moved to The Old Rectory in Grasmere.

    Rydal Mount

    Wordsworth moved to Rydal Mount in 1813 after his two youngest children died while living in The Old Rectory. William and Mary stayed at the house until their deaths in 1850 and 1859. Whilst living at Rydal Mount William became Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland with an office in Church Street in Ambleside. In 1820 he published his ‘Guide through the District of the Lakes’ and became the Poet Laureate.

    To find out more about Rydal Mount click the link provided:

    https://www.visitcumbria.com/amb/rydal-mount/

    Rydal Mount - Rydal

    St Oswald’s Church

    St Oswald’s Church is where William and his wife are buried.

    To find out more about St Oswald’s Church and plan your visit click the link provided:

    https://www.visitcumbria.com/amb/grasmere-st-oswalds-church/

    William and Mary's tombstones at St Oswald's Church

    St Oswald's Church

    Wordsworth wrote over 70,000 lines of verse which is 40,000 lines more than any other poet. One of his most famous poems is ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud’. The poem is commonly known as “Daffodils” and explores the poet’s relationship with nature, and how the memory of the daffodils dancing comforts him whenever he recalls them.

    To see more of Wordsworth’s poems visit

    https://interestingliterature.com/2017/03/06/10-of-the-best-william-wordsworth-poems-everyone-should-read/

  • Who was William Wordsworth

    Known for its beautiful walks and breath – taking landscapes the Lake District is also famous for its connections with lake poet William Wordsworth. His connections to the lakes can be found in the bustling village of Grasmere.

    William Wordsworth was born on 7th April 1770 in a fine Georgian house in Cockermouth, which is now known as Wordsworth House. William was one of four children with two brothers and sister Dorothy.

    Wordsworth House - Home of William Wordsworth - Cockermouth

    Much of William’s childhood was spent in Cockermouth and Penrith where he attended infant school. Attending infant school with William was his soon to be wife Mary Hutchinson. William attended the Grammar School in Hawkshead, where he received encouragement from his headmaster to read and write poetry. During this time, he made regular visits to the countryside to gather inspiration from nature. Pursing his career in poetry he attended St. Johns College in Cambridge, where he received a bequest of £900. This gave him the means to pursue his chosen career.

    In 1797 the Wordsworths stayed in Alfoxden House, where they met Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey. In the years to follow a relationship between William and Coleridge grew. Soon after William and Coleridge undertook a tour of the lakes, starting at Temple Sowerby and finishing at Wasdale Head, via Grasmere. While in Grasmere they noticed Dove Cottage and an empty Inn called the Dove and Olive Branch.

    Dove Cottage - Grasmere

    Shortly after William and Dorothy moved into Dove Cottage, where they lived for the next nine years. Dorothy became William’s secretary as William dedicated his career and life to poetry. In 1802 William married Mary Hutchinson, and the first of their five children were born shortly after. The family outgrew Dove Cottage, so they moved to Allan Bank for two years, and then on to Rydal Mount.

    Allan Bank - Grasmere

    Rydal Mount - Rydal

    William died in 1850 and Marty in 1859. Both William and Mary’s tombstones can be found in the churchyard of St. Oswald’s Church in the centre of Grasmere.

    Tombstones of William and Mary Wordsworth

    Wordsworth wrote over 70,000 lines of verse which is more than 40,000 lines more than any other poet. One of his most famous poems is ‘I wondered lonely as a cloud’. The poem is commongly known as daffodils and explores the poet’s friendship with nature, and how the memory of daffodils dancing cheers him up whenever he recalls them. Other poems include ‘Composed under Westminster Bridge’, ‘London 1802’, and ‘Tintern Abbey’.

    To see more of Wordsworth’s visit https://interestingliterature.com/2017/03/06/10-of-the-best-william-wordsworth-poems-everyone-should-read/

    Most of Wandsworth’s connections to Grasmere such as Dove cottage, Allan Bank, and Wordsworth House have been turned into museums or a National Trust attraction. Feel free to explore them on your next visit to the lakes, where you will find links for them below.

    Dove Cottage: https://wordsworth.org.uk/

    Allan Bank: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/allan-bank-and-grasmere

    Wordsworth House and Garden: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wordsworth-house

  • Loughrigg Tarn

    Take in the stunning views of the Langdale Pikes with a walk to Loughrigg Tarn.

    On route to Loughrigg Tarn you will come across the other side of Loughrigg Fell. The walk has some stunning views of The Langdale Pikes, Helm Crag, Windermere and Rydal Caves.

    The Langdale Pikes can be seen within the surrounding hills of Langdale. Loved by walkers and Alfred Wainwright the Pikes include Pavey Ark, Thunacar Knot, Pike of Stickle and Harrison Stickle. Helm Crag is situated to the north of Grasmere and is perfect for those who enjoy a shorter walk. The rocks on the summit have various names “The Lion and Lamb”, “The Howitzer” or “The Old Lady Playing the Organ”.

    Rydal Caves are situated on Loughrigg Fell and are a man-made cavern which was known as Loughrigg Quarry. Over a hundred years ago the caves were a busy working quarry supplying high quality roofing slates to the people in the village.

    As well as being loved by those visiting or living in the lakes Loughrigg Tarn was a favoured place of the poet William Wordsworth.

    For a further insight into this walk, including directions please visit:

    https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_140.html

  • Loughrigg Fell

    Located in the beautiful Lake District we are lucky to be surrounded by a number of breath-taking walks such as Loughrigg Fell.

     Loughrigg Fell is on the outskirts of Ambleside and is a perfect walk for superb views over Grasmere and Rydal water. The fell is surrounded by open water and the River Rothay can be seen to the north.

    Starting in the popular town of Ambleside the walk takes you over the top of Loughrigg Fell, along the airy Loughrigg Terrace and the permissive path to Rydal Cave.

    Rydal Cave is a man made quarry which is known for its’s high quality roofing slates in the 19thcentury. The cave today is visited frequently by walkers who are advised to take care as in recent years rocks have started to fall from the ceiling. Over two hundred years ago the cave was a busy quarry known as Loughrigg Quarry.

    For a further insight into this walk, including directions please visit:

    https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_141.html

  • Launchy Gill

    Take in the sounds of a cascading waterfall with a walk to Launchy Gill waterfall.

     This is short walk to the waterfalls of Launchy Gill on the west side of Thirlmere reservoir. Thirlmere reservoir is home to Thirlmere lake which was originally two small lakes after it was purchased in 1889. Since then the area has had a dam which has led Thirlmere to become one vast resovior. In the process the settlements of Armboth and Wythburn were submerged with only one building remaining.

    The best time to see Launchy Gill is after a heavy down pour of rain where the water cascades down the waterfall. Although do take care as the stones and path can become slippery in wet conditions.

    In more calm conditions the waterfall and the surrounding landscape would be a good place to explore. Just after the bridge higher on the hill side is an interesting looking boulder that is known as ‘The Tottling Stone’. The stone stands out from the tress and is well known to those who visit Thirlmere and its reservoir.

    For a further insight into this walk, including directions please visit:

    https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_95.html

     

     

  • Alcock Tarn

    Located in the beautiful Lake District we are lucky to be surrounded by a number of breath-taking walks such as Alcock Tarn.

    A short and steep walk the tarn is located high above the fells. The tarn lies behind a small crag called Grey Crag perched on the other side of Grasmere. While walking in the fells it isn’t unusual to come across crags.

    Alcock tarn is just 2m deep which is shallow compared to other tarns within the lakes. Originally known as Butter Crags Tarn it was enlarged in Victorian times by Mr Alcock of Hollins in Grasmere who stocked the tarn with brown trout.

    Getting to Alcock Tarn can be difficult in some places but worthwhile when reaching the summit. The walk passes some stunning views and landmarks such as The Wordsworth Trust Shop and Dove Cottage. Both the shop and the cottage are dedicated to the life and work of poet William Wordsworth.

    For a further insight into this walk, including directions please visit:

    https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_73.html

  • An insight into the village of Grasmere

    Located in the beautiful village of Grasmere, Greens is surrounded by some beautiful views and landmarks for you to explore. Grasmere is located in the centre of the English Lake District and sits on the River Rothay that flows into the village.

    Known for its beautiful lakes and home to lake poets the village is known as the home to William Wordsworth.  Living in Grasmere for 14 years Wordsworth described the village as the “loveliest spot that man hath found”.  Living in Dove Cottage for nine years Wordsworth wrote much of his poetry in the cottage which is known today. The cottage today has been turned into a museum which is open to visitors who can get an vivid impression of what day to day life was like for Wordsworth.

    Dove Cottage

    Keeping with tradition Grasmere celebrates a number of events throughout the year such as the Rushbearing Festival and Grasmere Sports. Both take place  every year and are celebrated by people in the village who are keen to keep the traditions alive.

    Rush maidens taking part in the Rushbearing Festival

    The Rushbearing Festival originated when rushes were laid on the church floors during the day and evening as the church floor was too earthy in the winter. We recently did a blog on the Rushbearing festival which you can look at here http://greensgrasmere.com/2018/07/12/rushbearing-festival-with-mary-bower/

    Participants taking part in Grasmere Sports

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Grasmere sports takes place in August and was first held in 1952. It is one of the most popular events in the lakes and consists of Cumberland wrestling, fell running and hound trials.

    Grasmere Is also home to the famous ‘Grasmere gingerbread’ which is made using a “secret recipe” created by Sarah Nelson. By the early nineteenth century the gingerbread was being sold as ‘fairings’ which were very popular with those living in the village. Sarah Nelson’s famous Grasmere gingerbread can be found at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop in the village. The staff are all dressed in victorian clothes where you can buy Grasmere gingerbread and other ginger themed gifts.

    Sarah Nelson's Grasmere Gingerbread

    In and surrounding the village are a number of walks and landmarks for you to explore. Grasmere Lake is one of the smaller lakes in the Lake District and gives its name to the village of Grasmere.

    Grasmere Lake

    Within walking distance from the café is a walk to Easedale Tarn. A 5.5 mile walk which is situated high in the upper valley of Easedale. To the south of the tarn is the long ridge of Blea Rigg. During Victorian times it was even more popular than it was today. A refreshment hut used to ply a good old trade but little remains now just a few scattered stones. The tarn is about 21m deep, with it's outfall tumbling down some lovely waterfalls which are situated right beside the path.

    Easedale Tarn

    Map of Easedale Tarn

    If you would like to find out more about Grasmere visit: https://www.visitcumbria.com/amb/grasmere/. We hope you enjoy your visit to Grasmere just as we do.

    Here at Greens we are open every day from 9:30am – 5pm except Thursdays. Why not pop in and see us on your next visit to the village, we’ll be waiting to serve you some refreshing beverages and homemade treats off our menu. To keep up to date with our opening hours visit  http://greensgrasmere.com/find-us-vegan-cafe/

  • Rushbearing Festival with Mary Bower

    Our social media guru, Holly Goddard met up with local resident Mary Bower to find out more about the annual Grasmere  Rushbearing Festival.  Rushbearing has been celebrated in the village since 1860. It is a tradition that is celebrated every year by those living in the village who are keen to keep the tradition going.

    The Rushbearing Festival originated when rushes were laid on the church floors during the day and evening as the ground was too earthy in the winter. Celebrating Rushbearing is an ancient custom of strewing the seats with rushes, which was annually done the day after the rector had gathered his tithe wool.

    Old church with rushes on the ground

    Chruch service

    During the procession, children carry traditional bearings made by themselves, every year the bearings are different, depending on the flowers available. Just before the procession moves off, the children who have a bearing are given a five pence coin to exchange for a piece of Grasmere gingerbread. With the procession moving nearer the rush maidens appear in their green and white dresses. The rush maidens are chosen up to the age of eleven and can only be a rush maiden for two years.  The rush maidens carry the rush sheet and are positioned with one in each corner and one each side in the center.

    Rush maidens in their green and white dresses

    Joining the rush bearers are a band , the procession cross, woven with gold helenium flowers. Next comes seven of the traditional bearings from the rectory grounds, the choir, clergy, Churchwardens, and bishop. Then comes St. Oswald’s banner and the children circling the maypole held by an older girl. Followed by a band playing Jimmy Dawson’s March and Owen Lloyd’s hymn. Although there is a set order for the procession everyone can join in providing they have a bearing they have made themselves.

    Children with the maypole

    Rushbearing Festival procession

    Over the years many people in the village have contributed to the festival by making small bearings, including Mary herself. Below is a simple flower design with the words ‘HOPE RULES A LAND FOR EVER GREEN’ in cross stitch made by Mary using flowers and thread.

    Our kitchen assistant Rebeca has been a rush maiden for the Rushbearing festival, we felt this would be a good opportunity to get a picture of both Mary and Rebecca who have both been involved in the festival.

    After the observance of St. Oswald the children collect their bearings and proceed to the school field for a version of the world famous Grasmere Sports. This consists of flat races, Cumbrian wrestling and even a mini fell race. Certificates and trophies are presented to all the children who have a tea ticket which are provided with an enormous feast and a piece of Grasmere gingerbread.

    Mary has lived in Grasmere since 1966 so we felt this would be a good opportunity to ask her what she enjoyed about living in the village. “The village is lovely and I am very lucky to be close to such beautiful views of the fells”.

    Stunning view of the fells from Mary's back garden

  • Easter Events in Grasmere!

    It's Easter time!

    It's that time of year again when the Easter bunny comes out to play, chocolate eggs cover supermarket shelves and kids have two weeks off from school! Whatever will you do to entertain them? Here are a couple of things happening in Grasmere:

    Easter Crafts

    Crafts at Allan Bank

    As they do every year, Allan Bank of the National Trust will be running Craft workshops every single day 10am-4pm from April 1st until April 23rd! This is completely free other than the usual admission fees for the venue itself and is a guaranteed great day of fun for the little ones.

    Easter Egg Hunt

    Allan Bank Cadbury Egg Hunt

    Another really exciting event being held at the Allan Bank National Trust venue is an egg hunt. All around their Red Squirrel's trail are hidden eggs which you'll have to find - if all of them are found then there will be a yummy chocolate prize waiting at the end! This event costs £2 per person and will be running on the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th April from 10:30 am until 4:00 pm! This should be great fun for everyone involved and the weather for that weekend should be superb as well!

    Easter Treats at Green's Cafe

    So after a long, hard day of making beautiful crafts at Allan Bank, or searching high and low for eggs, why not pop into Green's Cafe to refuel? As always, we'll have a special cake for the occasion which hasn't been decided yet - this is a picture of last years tasty creation! As well as that, we have a great children's menu which you can have a look at here and we'll be running a specials menu especially for the holidays, so keep your eyes peeled for when we post it!

    Please don't hesitate to contact us if you've any further questions and if you're a larger group then we'd recommend giving us a ring on 015394 35790 to book to avoid any disappointment! We look forward to seeing you!

Next Entries →
← Previous Entries